Frequently Asked Questions

United Way of Lake County mobilizes our community to action so all can thrive. Whenever there is a need in our community, United Way is there. We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs.

We ensure more children get off to a good start and youth reach their full potential by breaking down barriers to success. We advance what works, including early childhood education, literacy development, access to a high-quality K-12 education, enrichment opportunities like afterschool and summer programs, college and career readiness, and family engagement, fostering a future where every young person can realize their dreams.

We strengthen local resilience through our 211 helpline, a free 24-hour information and referral service available to everyone in our community that guides individuals and families to urgent resources.

For more than 100 years, we’ve been working to improve lives in Lake County by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good.

Your United Way contribution is an investment in our community. Tens of thousands of lives are changed each year in Lake County through our initiatives. Your donation ensures that people's needs will continue to be met and that there will be a brighter future for our entire community.

For every dollar donated to United Way of Lake County, 85 cents goes to our mission, supporting youth opportunity and community resiliency in Lake County, IL.

No. United Way is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that primarily relies on private funding, including individual and corporate donations, rather than federal funding.

Yes. United Way serves everyone in Lake County. The money raised here stays here.

Yes. When you donate to United Way of Lake County, your gift supports our work across the county. Raising more funds increases our ability to support our community.

By donating, volunteering, speaking up and partnering with us, we can make a real difference in our community together. Join us and be a part of something bigger!

Yes. United Way of Lake County maintains the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and transparency in our financial management and stewardship of contributor dollars. We are proud to have achieved a 4-star Charity Navigator rating and are an accredited charity of the Better Business Bureau. Annually, United Way of Lake County certifies to United Way Worldwide our adherence to membership requirements that pertain to brand compliance, financial accountability and ethical governance.

United Way of Lake County is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization under EIN 36-2167949